About the Role
Stellar Executive Search is partnering with a well‑regarded New Zealand law firm to appoint a Senior Associate (8+ PQE) within its corporate and commercial team.
This is a senior role for an NZ‑qualified and admitted lawyer with the capability to run mid‑market private M&A transactions independently. You’ll enjoy a balanced, flexible environment while continuing to work on varied, high‑quality corporate matters.
You’ll work closely with an experienced partner and established clients, with autonomy appropriate to your level and support where needed.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading private M&A deals (buy‑side and sell‑side) from start to finish
- Managing due diligence and transaction workstreams
- Drafting and negotiating share and asset sale agreements
- Preparing shareholders’ agreements, joint venture agreements, and governance documentation
- Advising clients on legal and commercial risk using sound judgement
- Acting as a key point of contact for business owners and senior executives
- Supervising and effectively leveraging junior lawyers
- Using AI and legal technology to support efficient delivery
Benefits
- Competitive salary package
- Hybrid working and genuine flexibility, including part‑time (30 hours)
- Access to EAP wellbeing services
- Regular team and firm‑wide social events
- Friday morning tea and drinks
- Annual wellness events
- Supportive leadership with ongoing mentoring
- Opportunities to shape and improve legal delivery systems
Experience and Qualifications
To be considered, you must be:
- NZ‑qualified & admitted
- 8+ years PQE in corporate and commercial law
- Strong experience running private M&A transactions independently
- Excellent drafting discipline and commercial judgement
- Confidence managing client relationships directly
- Proven experience supervising and mentoring junior lawyers
- Comfort integrating AI and legal tech into transactional processes
- Experience advising privately owned or family‑run businesses
- Exposure to franchise or multi‑site business models
- Financial literacy (valuations, earn‑outs, balance sheet analysis)
- Interest in improving process, delivery models, or efficiency
The firm is known for its strong client relationships, high‑quality work, and a calm, collaborative culture. Partners are approachable and supportive, and the environment is designed to enable long‑term career success without burnout.
You’ll join a team that values trust, flexibility, and a sustainable way of practising law, without compromising on quality or ambition.
How to Apply
If this sounds like the next step in your career, click Quick Apply and follow the prompts.
If you’d like a confidential conversation before applying, please contact Jenny on 021 0230 3960 at Stellar Executive Search
